By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is launching its Agronomy Days 2024 series this month, offering growers a range of educational events. Hosted by the Department of Crop Sciences, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), and Illinois Extension, the series features traditional field days, on-farm tailgates, and shade-tree talks. These events provide valuable research-backed recommendations aimed at optimizing farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
Kicking off on May 24 with a Small Grains Field Day, the series will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Agronomy Seed House in Urbana. Attendees can enjoy coffee and pastries before diving into research plots of wheat and oats, led by small grains breeders and assistant professors Jessica Rutkoski and Juan Arbelaez. The event concludes at 12:30 p.m., followed by a free BBQ lunch until 3:30 p.m. Registered participants will receive a detailed agenda via email.
The Agronomy Days series continues throughout June, July, and August, with new events regularly added to the calendar. According to Nick Seiter, co-chair of the Agronomy Days committee and assistant professor in crop sciences, the flexible schedule allows growers to fit these educational opportunities into their busy lives.
Adam Davis, head of the crop sciences department, emphasizes the expanded reach of this year's series. "Agronomy Days now caters to a wider audience, making it easier for growers to participate and benefit from these sessions," Davis said.
For more information, visit the Agronomy Days page on the University of Illinois website.
Photo Credit: illinois-state-university
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Education